Make These Important Tech Checks Before You Go 

We're so dependent on technology that it feels like we can't live without it in today's fast-moving world – and we're not being dramatic. The presence of digital products makes the difference between silence and laughter, loneliness and interaction, and even life and death, so it makes sense it's the focal point of our lives. Still, technology comes with its fair share of challenges. Electronic devices feel like a ton of bricks in your bag, and you can barely keep them protected while you're out exploring. If you lose, damage, or have your items stolen, you might not get refunded, so decide which ones to take and which ones to leave behind when traveling. 

Before your vacation, ensure your favorite technology is ready and functional, and don't let a moment ruin your day. Travel smarter, not harder. Here are some hacks to elevate your next trip: 

Have The Right Set Of Apps On Your Phone 

Having the right apps on your phone makes the travel experience smoother and less stressful, so before setting off, download essential apps for planning, booking, and managing your trip. Aggregators are very good at helping you research destinations but don't book with them, especially when it comes to flights. Google Travel, for instance, can help you plan your upcoming destination by making available information about day plans, reservations, and things to do; you can access it from your phone or tablet. Several credit card companies offer clients Priority Pass memberships, which grant access to countless airport lounges worldwide, so you can duck into one even if you're flying economy. 

Hitting the gym while you're traveling can be challenging, so download the Nike Training Club. You have your own personal trainer (in your pocket). The app offers a range of options for people of all fitness levels. There's so much to share during a trip – photos, videos, travel updates, and so on. If you want to stay in touch with your loved ones, use WhatsApp because it saves money compared to international SMS rates. If you use a local SIM card, you can still use the app with your home number. 

Make Sure You Have Easily Accessible Internet 

You can go off-grid in your upcoming adventure, but this doesn't mean you should be completely disconnected from reality, so have reliable Internet access on the go. If you're going to England, stay ahead of the game by picking Holafly's plan with unlimited data in UK – it will keep you covered without busting your budget. You can make calls and browse the web untroubled by worry. It's a good idea to install the eSIM one day before your trip. Don't connect to free Wi-Fi at the airport or in your hotel. Connecting through a public Wi-Fi network without protection makes it easy for malicious actors to sneak into your device. 

Buy A Small Charging Battery 

Imagine the following scenario: You're outside waiting for your taxi when you notice your phone battery is 9%. If the battery dies too fast, it can leave you stranded and unable to catch a ride to your hotel, just like a lost or stolen phone. One of the biggest drains on your smartphone batter is screen brightness, so reduce it from full to half or adapt the screen brightness to the surroundings. Whilst on the road, you don't need to use everything your phone has to offer. Turn off unused connections like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS if you're not using them. 

Being on the move often means you rely on your device for navigation or staying in touch with family and friends, so have a lightweight power bank that you can carry everywhere. You won't have to hunt down an open outlet to keep your phone (or tablet) from running out of juice. Given the lifespan of many electronics, the best battery packs are USB devices, which are often equipped with one or more ports and can connect to almost any cable. Some chargers provide an indicator that the charge is over; others don't. 

Backup Important Files In The Cloud 

A backup offers protection against human error, hardware failure, virus attacks, and so on. You can create multiple copies, keeping one in the cloud for quick recovery (you can restore the files in the event of a data loss or failure). Backing up important files helps free up storage space, meaning you can squeeze in one more app or photo. You don't have to delete snapshots of your kids, pets, and other cherished ones. A backup can take several hours to complete if you haven't done it before, so leave your phone or tablet plugged into a charger. 

Protect Your Laptop With A Password

What type of person would need a laptop when traveling? A web/software developer, a writer, a journalist, or a photographer. Keep your computer with you at all times – don't place it in the overhead storage area because it could get knocked down by someone else. What's worse, don't keep your laptop in your other luggage. Handlers won't treat it like a fragile object. Pick an area where you'll enjoy some privacy so you don't draw attention to yourself while waiting for your flight because people are always looking for things to steal.  

Enhance device security with a password. It will protect your data from threat actors by blocking unauthorized access in case your device is lost or stolen. Still, the password must be used alongside other measures, such as updating security software, encrypting your hard drive, and increasing your authentication. You never know what can happen when you carry your laptop around. A good case can shield it from potential hazards, such as spilled drinks or accidental falls. The prospect of going careless is terrifying. 

The Takeaway 

Unless you're planning for a digital detox, your technology goes with you, so travel smarter and more securely by doing several checks before you leave. After all, you don't want issues, and the best solution to most problems is preparation.